The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has affirmed its determination to resist any potential forceful removal of the BRP Sierra Madre from Ayungin Shoal by China. This commitment was conveyed by AFP spokesperson Col. Medel Aguilar as preparations are underway for another resupply mission to support troops stationed on the beached World War II-era transport ship at Ayungin Shoal, also known as Second Thomas Shoal.

Colonel Aguilar made this assertion on the 12 August News Forum held at the Dapo Restaurant and Bar, unequivocally stating, "Of course, we will resist."

In a concerning development, the China Coast Guard (CCG) obstructed a resupply mission on August 5 by employing water cannons against a civilian vessel transporting provisions for the Marines stationed on the Sierra Madre.

China's actions drew widespread condemnation. In response, China contended that Ayungin Shoal falls within its territorial domain and called upon the Philippines to fulfill its purported commitment to relocate the Sierra Madre from the area.

Medel emphasized that the CCG should conduct them appropriately and desist from engaging in unlawful and hostile actions that could jeopardize lives.

“All the consequences that will arise from their singular hostile act will be blamed on them and on those above them,” he said.

Following President Marcos' directive, the AFP has pledged its unwavering commitment to neither forsake Ayungin Shoal nor cease the provision of supplies to the Sierra Madre.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) stands prepared to contribute additional vessels to aid the AFP in forthcoming resupply missions.

Aside from deploying their 44-meter offshore patrol vessels, Commodore Jay Tarriela, the PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, indicated that they could also leverage the Coast Guard's 97-meter multi-role response vessel for patrolling the area or escorting vessels engaged in resupplying the Sierra Madre.

“The commandant of the Philippine Coast Guard, Admiral Artemio Abu, is willing to deploy additional vessels to support the resupply mission,” he said at the same news forum.

Tarriela further encouraged the public to condemn individuals who persist in defending China's assertive actions in the West Philippine Sea through social media platforms and publications.

Categorizing these proponents of China as unpatriotic and traitorous, Tarriela asserted that Filipinos should confidently expose them for disseminating false information that they are engaging in.

“I am calling out all Filipinos who go on Facebook, on social media: If you see fake news coming out in your feed, at least care to comment, share the right information,” he said in English and Filipino.

Senators Francis Escudero and Jinggoy Estrada have warned against Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri's proposal to ban Chinese products and investments in the Philippines. They fear this could lead to substantial trade losses. In interviews with radio dwIZ, both senators advised restraint in responding to China's aggression, citing potential negative consequences of drastic actions. Estrada remarked, "I think we should slow down on that call."

Escudero emphasized that ending contracts with China could result in penalties, citing the P300-million fine from the North Rail contract termination during the second Aquino administration. He noted that 33% of the Philippines' imports come from China, and 16% of exports are to China. In contrast, China's imports from the Philippines are less than 1%, and their exports to the Philippines are less than 2%.

"In our desire to fight for our principles and beliefs, we should look at the numbers first, because we might end up shooting ourselves in the foot," Escudero cautioned.

Image source: AFP News